Elon Musk’s task force for streamlining the United States government, known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is reportedly seeking access to the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS), prompting discussion about data privacy and government oversight, Al Jazeera reports.
The Associated Press, CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post are among the media outlets reporting that DOGE is requesting access to the IDRS as part of a wide-ranging cost-cutting initiative. The IDRS provides IRS employees with access to sensitive taxpayer information, including Social Security numbers, home addresses, property records, and salary details.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said that direct access to the IRS database is essential to eliminate “deeply entrenched” waste, fraud, and abuse within the agency. Musk has long advocated for increased efficiency and accountability in government, and the DOGE initiative aligns with those goals.
While proponents argue that access to the data is necessary to identify areas for improvement and cost savings, some Democratic lawmakers and critics have expressed concerns about the potential for privacy violations and the extent of Musk’s influence within the federal government. They suggest increased oversight is needed to ensure data security and prevent misuse.
Musk, responding to a social media post on X, appeared to indicate his intention to investigate specific individuals, including Democratic Senator Adam Schiff. When an X user suggested Musk was targeting Schiff’s finances, Musk shared the post with a pointing-down emoji.
The newly created X account, DOGE IRS, is soliciting public input on identifying and rectifying “waste, fraud, and abuse” within the IRS.
